A car crashed into a brick wall at the intersection of Library Place and Stockton Street this morning. Photo: Seth Callen.

Retired Princeton Theological Seminary Professor Donald Capps was seriously injured in a crash this morning on Library Place in Princeton.

Capps was driving his silver 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, heading north on Library Place just before 9 a.m., when he passed several vehicles in front him that were also traveling north on Library Place. He then crossed the intersection of Stockton Street, and continued north on Library Place. After crossing the intersection of Library Place and Stockton Street, the Volkswagen veered in an easterly direction and struck the right rear bumper of a green Volvo that was being operated by Sharon Worthington. The Volvo was in front of the Volkswagen when this collision happened, police said. After striking the Volvo, the Volkswagen driven by Capps collided with a tree near the east sidewalk area of 65 Stockton Street, the former home of the Aquinas Institute, and came to its final resting position after hitting a brick wall and tree.

The Volkswagen sustained heavy front end damage, including airbag deployment. Capps, had to be extracted from the vehicle by the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. He sustained serious injuries to his upper and lower body and was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for treatment. His wife was in the front seat passenger of the Volkswagen. Karen Capps, 73, complained of pain in her upper body and back and was also transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center.

There was minor damage to the Volvo that was operated by Worthington. Worthington did not report any injuries and drove her vehicle from the scene. The Volkswagen was towed from the scene by Stewart’s Towing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Capps, a beloved teacher at the seminary, taught pastoral theology for many years and wrote numerous books and articles. He retired in 2009 and is now a professor emeritus at the school.

The scene at the crash. Photo: Seth Callen.The car hit a wall and a tree. Photo: Seth Callen.The scene at the crash. Photo: Seth Callen.